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Why is the AR 3A so desirable?

Finished my AR-3a restoration and very pleased. Mine are older cloth surrounds which I doped with butyl rubber. Highs and mids are in good shape. The speakers have always been stored indoors. Recapped them and replaced pots with L-pads and 8-ohm resistors. Cabinets and grilles look new. Very pleased with them and I understand why they are in demand.
 
I don’t care what those old ARs sound like they’re just plain ugly with the grills removed. In my opinion even the grills are ugly. And since I only listen with grills off I won’t be buying a pair. But mainly I won’t buy a pair because they’re ridiculously overpriced. I did used to own a pair of AR4x in the mid 80s. Now all the vintage AR speakers are priced like if they’re antique furniture. I’ve owned many pairs of different brand speakers since then so I know there’s way better sounding speakers for the money so people are either just buying them for the nostalgia or they’re die hard AR fans and don’t want to try other speakers. Although dynamic speaker design has remained the same for decades one aspect that has vastly improved is the materials that are available to make them. I hope I can find a pair of vintage AR at a thrift store so I can flip them for 30x what I spend.
 
CoastinHome said:
My pleasure. That's a lot of very interesting background on the AR-3a, isn't it?

Here's what I picked up. These are serial numbers C-26610 and C-26644. They are both dated 4-18-64 -- likely by the owner but in the same color pen as the "Tested" and "Final Inspection" initials. I'm surprised with serial numbers that close together that the cabinet finishes are as different as they are -- including one having the rear panel stained and the other not.
View attachment 1676157 View attachment 1676160

I don't know what the rest of the system consisted of -- other than a Dual 1009 turntable and a Sony solid-state reel to reel. The Dual came home with me as well -- though inadvertently. I was just testing their bidding system after signing up by adding $1 to the current bid on the turntable almost a week before the auction closed. I certainly didn't expect to win. It's an absolutely mint condition - though missing the automatic spindle and dust cover. I haven't identified the cartridge yet.

Looking for any and all information on these AR-3's -- though I've scoured the web pretty well so far. If there is a highly recommended AR-3 /3a backgrounder thread or other "must-read", grateful for the link.
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Here's the link to my most recent 3's restoration. You may find it helpful, lots of pics, and great input.
Cheers, Glenn

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/toilet-paper-stop-yields-a-pair-of-ar3s.735482/
 
AudioGMan said:
I don’t care what those old ARs sound like they’re just plain ugly with the grills removed. In my opinion even the grills are ugly. And since I only listen with grills off I won’t be buying a pair. But mainly I won’t buy a pair because they’re ridiculously overpriced. I did used to own a pair of AR4x in the mid 80s. Now all the vintage AR speakers are priced like if they’re antique furniture. I’ve owned many pairs of different brand speakers since then so I know there’s way better sounding speakers for the money so people are either just buying them for the nostalgia or they’re die hard AR fans and don’t want to try other speakers. Although dynamic speaker design has remained the same for decades one aspect that has vastly improved is the materials that are available to make them. I hope I can find a pair of vintage AR at a thrift store so I can flip them for 30x what I spend.
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Wow did an AR piss in your cheerios this morning?
 
MJB1959 said:
Really, that was some kind of rant, perhaps some folks enjoy the restoration process, it's rewarding, fun, and challenging, similar to old cars, motorcycles, antique furniture etc. And getting to the completion, you have a perfectly working and looking piece of audio history.
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No kidding....I dont care for AR3s but I also dont have a bunch of built up anger over a piece of furniture.
 
AudioGMan said:
so I know there’s way better sounding speakers for the money so people are either just buying them for the nostalgia or they’re die hard AR fans and don’t want to try other speakers.
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"Way better sounding" to you.

Originally, I was nostalgic for AR speakers, having been raised not far from where AR was located and never being able to afford them when I was younger. When I finally got my hands on a pair of restored 3's, immediately I heard a sound produced that appealed to me much more then any modern, more expensive speaker that I had owned over the years. So the argument that I (or other aficionado's of AR speakers) simply don't want to try other speakers is plain wrong. I know Glenn(GD70) owns and enjoys many different types of speakers. And you can go over to the Classic Speaker forums and it becomes very clear that for all the love that AR speakers have over there, pretty much every one of the participants have been long time collectors and listeners of all kinds of different gear, speakers among them.
 
Sure would be nice someday to not see people not dissing this or that speaker. There are thousands and every one of them "somewhere" in their delivery of sound do something better than others even if its just a very narrow band that might appeal to someone.

Many here have different sets as "each" one "somewhere" does something better than the other. There is no ultimate. People seem to forget a 50 cent 3 inch speaker is perfectly capable of reproducing the human voice ect.

We all have something we are Looking for and want from a speaker and none is Better, mostly different.

If someone likes this or that it is because that is what they want it to sound or look like.

I have three pairs and each one in a very small range does something the others dont.

my mains make me happy but If I could combine all three's qualities it would be perfect for me.

Your speakers, what ever they are aren't "better" they are just better for you and what "you" want or "expect" them to sound like or even look like.
 
NH-MAN said:
Sure would be nice someday to not see people not dissing this or that speaker. There are thousands and every one of them "somewhere" in their delivery of sound do something better than others even if its just a very narrow band that might appeal to someone.

Many here have different sets as "each" one "somewhere" does something better than the other. There is no ultimate. People seem to forget a 50 cent 3 inch speaker is perfectly capable of reproducing the human voice ect.

We all have something we are Looking for and want from a speaker and none is Better, mostly different.

If someone likes this or that it is because that is what they want it to sound or look like.

I have three pairs and each one in a very small range does something the others dont.

my mains make me happy but If I could combine all three's qualities it would be perfect for me.

Your speakers, what ever they are aren't "better" they are just better for you and what "you" want or "expect" them to sound like or even look like.
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I agree. There is always "that guy" that has to hop on a thread and tell everybody how much better the blah blah speaker is than the the blah blah speaker.

I dont like any speaker with a horn as they sound strange with my hearing. One day I may hear a horn that does not bug me so I am always open to hear one I have not heard before. I have also not heard an AR speaker that has blown me away but I sure dont have the hate shown above........I dont think I have the energy to express that much anger towards much of any inanimate object actually.

I have about 16 pairs of speakers and I actually like them all. They all sound different but that is what I like about them. When feel like some different sound, I change a pair out.

Now I have go yell at chestnuts for being lazy.
 
Bodyblue said:
Wow did an AR piss in your cheerios this morning?
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sberger said:
"Way better sounding" to you.

Originally, I was nostalgic for AR speakers, having been raised not far from where AR was located and never being able to afford them when I was younger. When I finally got my hands on a pair of restored 3's, immediately I heard a sound produced that appealed to me much more then any modern, more expensive speaker that I had owned over the years. So the argument that I (or other aficionado's of AR speakers) simply don't want to try other speakers is plain wrong. I know Glenn(GD70) owns and enjoys many different types of speakers. And you can go over to the Classic Speaker forums and it becomes very clear that for all the love that AR speakers have over there, pretty much every one of the participants have been long time collectors and listeners of all kinds of different gear, speakers among them.
Click to expand...
You are correct. It’s just my opinion. I never said AR speakers sound bad. They actually sound good. I’ve had two pairs. My point is that they have become too expensive for what they are. So obviously they’re just going to continue to increase in price because of age. If you’ve owned a pair for many years then you’re good. But if you’re looking to buy a pair get ready to pay a lot.
 
AudioGMan said:
You are correct. It’s just my opinion. I never said AR speakers sound bad. They actually sound good. I’ve had two pairs. My point is that they have become too expensive for what they are. So obviously they’re just going to continue to increase in price because of age. If you’ve owned a pair for many years then you’re good. But if you’re looking to buy a pair get ready to pay a lot.
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You said that there are "way better sounding speakers for the money". It is possible to find many AR speakers for very reasonable prices. It all depends on where you are and what speakers. True a minty pair of 3's or 3a's are probably not going to be found for cheap. Same for the LST's. But speakers like the 9, 11, 2ax, 4x, and others can be had without having to take out a second mortgage. As to the better sounding part for the money, you're right it's your opinion. Just depends on personal taste.
 
Okay how about this.
The original question was: “Why is the AR 3A so desireable?”
My answer: I don’t know.
 
Here’s what I wanna know. What do you do with a speaker that old once the woofer or mid’s spider starts to sag? Do you replace the drivers with other “original” drivers that are just as old? And how would it sound if you don’t have two drivers that weren’t made consecutively or does that just not matter? Or do you replace the drivers with new drivers? Isn’t it eventually going to get to the point where the original drivers are just not repairable anymore?
 
AudioGMan said:
Here’s what I wanna know. What do you do with a speaker that old once the woofer or mid’s spider starts to sag? Do you replace the drivers with other “original” drivers that are just as old? And how would it sound if you don’t have two drivers that weren’t made consecutively or does that just not matter? Or do you replace the drivers with new drivers? Isn’t it eventually going to get to the point where the original drivers are just not repairable anymore?
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Original drivers if possible, substitutes assuming they are as close as possible in performance/specs to the original. Doesn't matter if drivers were made consecutively.

I don't know about what will happen in the future, but presently all drivers for the heritage speakers are either repairable or replaceable.
 
AudioGMan said:
I don’t care what those old ARs sound like they’re just plain ugly with the grills removed. In my opinion even the grills are ugly. And since I only listen with grills off I won’t be buying a pair. But mainly I won’t buy a pair because they’re ridiculously overpriced. I did used to own a pair of AR4x in the mid 80s. Now all the vintage AR speakers are priced like if they’re antique furniture. I’ve owned many pairs of different brand speakers since then so I know there’s way better sounding speakers for the money so people are either just buying them for the nostalgia or they’re die hard AR fans and don’t want to try other speakers. Although dynamic speaker design has remained the same for decades one aspect that has vastly improved is the materials that are available to make them. I hope I can find a pair of vintage AR at a thrift store so I can flip them for 30x what I spend.
Click to expand...
I take issue with your comment "so people are either just buying them for the nostalgia or they’re die hard AR fans and don’t want to try other speakers." That is completely wrong. Most AR owners I know, have a variety of speakers, new and vintage. Regarding their sound, that's up to the listener, but based on the hundreds of positive comments here and on other forums, regarding AR's in general, they are excellent sounding speakers, when restored properly. Ugly without their grills, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I love the rough, organic look. It shocks people that hear mine, how great they sound.
There's plenty of speakers that don't float my boat as well. it's all about personal tastes.
 
AudioGMan said:
Here’s what I wanna know. What do you do with a speaker that old once the woofer or mid’s spider starts to sag? Do you replace the drivers with other “original” drivers that are just as old? And how would it sound if you don’t have two drivers that weren’t made consecutively or does that just not matter? Or do you replace the drivers with new drivers? Isn’t it eventually going to get to the point where the original drivers are just not repairable anymore?
Click to expand...
Some AR drivers can be rebuilt these days, basically back to new or close to new specs.
Example, my 3's mids had extremely low output. A very common issue due to hardened dome sealer at the dome base. Roy C. removes the old petrified sealer, and re-suspends the domes for proper movement and output. He rebuilt mine, and they sound great.
He also replaced a sagging spider in one of my woofers that developed some distortion. He removed the cone, masonite frame rig the surround is glued to, all as one piece, and replace the spider with a very soft compliant spider close to the original spec. It sounds perfect, and I cannot tell the difference to the other untouched original woofer.
AKer CJVx, Chris, rebuilds 3a tweeters. He rebuilt a set for me for a restoration I was doing for someone, and spec to new output. Only a couple years ago, these services were not available.
Glenn
 
I gotta admire that someone will go through so much trouble to repair or restore them. I guess I’ve gone through enough speakers that I always find something about them that I don’t like so I eventually end up selling them. I have yet to find a keeper.
 
Blue Shadow said:
yes, but the baffle board would look like a finished piece and not a 3-year olds glue together toy, hand painted by his younger brother.

Just cause they would cost a g to build today doesn't mean there isn't a pile of speakers out there that are better sounding for the money.
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I like to play my speakers with the covers off and these speakers just look horrible.
 
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